13 Clever Tips for a Functional and Modern Tiny House Kitchen

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Tiny house kitchens are a challenge to design and make functional. The small space can be challenging to work with, but some clever ideas will help you create a functional and modern kitchen in your tiny home. Plus, with these tips, you'll be able to create a functional and contemporary kitchen without spending too much!

This post will talk about how the interior design of your tiny house kitchen is vital for both functionality and style. Making the most out of every inch of space available in your small home is possible with these simple ideas. You can create a stylish kitchen look on any budget.

Creating an Efficient and Modern Kitchen in a Tiny House: Is It Possible?

Tiny houses give homeowners the chance to live with less. They’re perfect for those who want to simplify their lives or who are ready to downsize after years of accumulation. But while tiny houses are simple, living in one requires you to bring your A-game when it comes to interior design. How do you create an efficient and modern kitchen in a small space? Why is the design of the kitchen so important for this type of house?

It’s all about creating more functional spaces. Tiny houses are perfect for singles or couples, but some tiny homes can even accommodate families. If you want to create the most functional space possible in your small home, here are some tips on how to do it.

Give the Tiny House Kitchen Cabinets an Open Look

Cabinets can be expensive, especially so for bigger kitchens. To save money, you might be tempted to go for custom cabinets because they are affordable, customizable and your tiny house kitchen can look more professional than any boxy, cheap-made cabinetry. However, if you are just renting or simply don't want to go through the hassle of replacing cabinets in your tiny house, then there are plenty of low-cost options available for you.

One way to give an open look to your cabinet is by standing them on slim legs. This adds an industrial vibe and gives the illusion of more space. Another way is to use open shelves that blend into the wall. The opening in the wall between your cabinet and shelf gives an illusion of more space in your tiny house kitchen. The same minimalist appeal it gives in a big house it does for a tiny one too!

Work Around the Little Counter Space You Have

Most kitchens have two sides with counter space to workaround, but there's just about one side of useable counter space available in a tiny house kitchen. To make the most out of the counter space you have, work up instead of out. You can utilize all the vertical surfaces by using open wall shelves above your tiny house kitchen counter.

Another option is to use corner shelves because they take less room while storing more kitchen items in them without being too intrusive on your floor or walls.

Arrange Your Oven and Stove to Save Space

A tiny house kitchen is not the same as a normal-sized one, and in turn, your oven and stove will need to be small. One way to arrange these appliances innovatively and efficiently is by placing them on wheels or setting them down into an open wall shelf. You can also choose countertop electric stove models that can save you even more space.

The same thing applies to your microwave. Mount it on the wall or under your upper cabinets while not in use to save space.

You can opt for kitchen appliances that also serve multiple purposes. For example, instead of having a full-size stand mixer, just get one that can be hand-held. You can also get a food processor that works as both a cutting board and storage container for your vegetables too.

Learn how to choose a tiny house stove here.

Make Room for a Trash Bin

Trash is a big issue in tiny house living. The bathroom has its own built-in trash bin, but the kitchen doesn't have that option. If you're eating takeout or cooking for one, it's easy to get away with just carrying your garbage out when you leave. Otherwise, you'll need to come up with a different solution. When you have guests or are cooking for more people, it may get too much to manage all the waste.

One solution is to reorganize your tiny house kitchen cabinets until you can fit in a small trash bin. Another option is to put your recycling and compost bins under the sink. Pull drawers are perfect for recycling bins because they're hidden, but you can also use them to store your compost.

Hide Your Clutter with Hidden Storage Space

Hidden storage space is the key to having an organized tiny house kitchen. You may not have room for a pantry or huge cabinets, so it's crucial to take advantage of every little space you can find. The lower cabinets are perfect for stacking up plates or pots and pans, but if you need more space, pull-out free-standing shelves are the way to go.

One wall in your kitchen is typically wasted space, but not anymore! Open shelving takes advantage of that dead space because it doesn't eat into your floor space. It gives a modern look and frees up space on your countertops.

You can learn more about adding storage here.

Dishwasher Drawers

Some tiny house kitchens come with a dishwasher, but not every kitchen has the space to accommodate one. And even if you have enough space, installing a full-size dishwasher may be out of your price range. Dishwashers are typically much cheaper than regular-sized appliances and use less water and energy than washing by hand or using a portable dishwasher.

Dishwasher drawers are the perfect replacement for full-size dishwashers, and they fit in most tiny house kitchens. You'll often find that the under-sink cabinet space is wide enough to accommodate a drawer dishwasher.

Read this article to learn how to choose your dishwasher for your tiny house.

Add an Island for Extra Preparation Space

Whether you're cooking up a feast or simply heating leftovers, your tiny house kitchen can benefit from an extra preparation area. If your kitchen is small enough and doesn't have many cabinets, consider adding an island. The kitchen island can double as a prep space and a casual eating area for family meals or quick snacks.

Use Chairs with Extra Storage Underneath

Ottoman-style chairs are incredibly useful for tiny house kitchens because they provide extra storage space. A basic ottoman with a lid that opens and closes is the perfect way to store non-perishable food items, such as canned goods or snacks. Ottomans also work great by your kitchen table as an extra stool. If you have a smaller kitchen, you can opt for a slimmer version of an ottoman that rests under your table. This gives you a few more inches to walk around and makes it easy to store bottles of water or wine.

Display Your Plates on the Wall

If you have wall space, hanging your plates on display is a smart way to make use of dead space. It's also a great way to show off your personality and interests. If there are no walls in your kitchen that are suitable for this purpose, try incorporating open shelving or even an old ladder into your design instead.

Create an Oversized Serving Tray

Instead of storing plates, cups, or silverware in one of your cupboards, create one large serving tray. Make sure it's big enough to hold everything you need at mealtime, whether it's for breakfast, cereal, or dinner with friends. If you have the space for it, consider adding a dish rack below your tray with a couple of hooks for your oven mitts. Simply stack everything up and place it on the countertop next to the tray when not in use.

Keep Your Floors Clear

It's easy to accumulate items in your tiny house kitchen, but that doesn't mean you should let them take over. Keep the floors as clear as possible to maintain a clean and stylish look. You can use baskets or stackable boxes to keep things out of sight when not in use. Plus, it makes cleaning up spills much easier!

Arrange Like with Like

One easy trick for organizing your tiny house kitchen is to arrange it like with like. If you're not sure what that means, put all your baking supplies in one cabinet or keep your plates on one shelf. You can also match all your plastic containers by size and shape or group your glasses together in a cupboard. This makes it easier to find what you're looking for when cooking and cuts down on clutter in the kitchen.

Open the Windows

One last clever idea for a functional and modern tiny house kitchen is to open up those windows! Open shelving creates a spacious look by showing off your books, plates, and other knick-knacks. And of course, kitchen views are always a plus – who doesn't want to be able to glance outside while you're cooking?

It doesn't matter what style your tiny house kitchen is - farmhouse, industrial or modern. What matters most is that every space in your home serves its purpose. However you choose to layout, your tiny house kitchen will work just fine if it works for you!

Related: Learn how to choose a tiny house refrigerator.